Rydel's Van Talk

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about helping kids move through emotions without getting stuck in them. We share the idea of having a reset spot, whether that’s a high chair, the stairs, a crib, or another calm place where kids can regroup and come back ready to try again. One of our favorite phrases? “Mom, can I try again?” The conversation also explores emotional resilience, avoiding...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the little moments in parenting that eventually turn into something big. Every milestone as a family, we share why we believe every win matters, big or small, individual or shared. And honestly? Moms deserve a gold star for the amount of invisible work they do every single day. We talk about the payoff moments in parenting, those days when you sudde...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re joined by a very special guest: Rydel's dad/ Stormie's husband MarkLynch!!! From skydiving over the pyramids to getting a pilots license in college, he shares stories from a life built around adventure, discipline, optimism, and pushing past fear. We talk about the lessons he learned from his dad, how years of selling books door-to-door for 14 hours a day...

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about confidence, mindset, and the powerful influence parents have on the emotional environment of the home. We discuss why it’s so important not to let insecurities trickle down onto your kids and how children often absorb far more from what we model than what we say. If we want our kid...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Van Talk, my brothers join the conversation to reflect on the moments, lessons, and memories that shaped them growing up. We talk about favorite memories with mom, what a “perfect day” with her looks like, and the biggest things learned from her that still stick today. The conversation also turns to something deeper: the importance of seeing potential in you...

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the everyday work of building trust and confidence with your kids. From breaking habits to consistently parenting through conflict, we share why encouragement and cheerleading never really stop, no matter how old your kids are. We also talk about intentionally practicing life skill...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into Stormie’s early hustle years. From first jobs and difficult bosses to working two jobs at once while going to school, we talk about what those years really looked like behind the scenes. There wasn’t much of a support system, just determination, resilience, and MarkLynch by her side. We also talk about getting taken advantage of, learning hard lessons...

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! I this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about aligning on parenting and creating clear standards within the home. We share what it means to “train the heart” when raising kids, focusing not just on behavior, but on character, attitude, and intention. We also talk about avoiding guilt-based parenting. Our kids aren’t here to fil...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about creating a positive, peaceful environment at home, both emotionally and physically. We share how we discipline while staying encouraging, how we teach our kids to go with the flow, and why “maybe next time” has become a constant phrase when things don’t go as planned. We also talk about raising siblings to be genuinely close, even with age gaps, and...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing the full origin story of Stormie and MarkLynch! From being completely over dating to getting set up on a blind date that changed everything, this story has all the twists. Long distance, handwritten letters back and forth, and the kind of excitement that had her running to the mailbox every day. But it wasn’t all easy. Not everyone supported the relations...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about raising self-sufficient kids and what that looks like in everyday life. From getting out the door calmly with multiple kids to setting expectations early, we share the routines and mindset that help create structure without chaos. We also talk about discipline, dating rules, and why we believe in feeling emotions fully instead of suppressing them, b...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about how we organize our memories, from thousands of photos and videos a day, to the systems we use to keep everything meaningful and accessible over the years. We also share how we prepare for new seasons, from pregnancy to everyday routines, and some of our favorite supplements we use for the kids. The conversation shifts into something deeper: the imp...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re taking it all the way back to the beginning and sharing the story of how we ended up in Los Angeles. We talk about moving for my older brother Riker at a young age, what those early days looked like, and the reality of jumping into auditions, dance jobs, and acting opportunities for the first time. Of course, it wouldn’t be our story without a little chaos. From...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into chapters one and two of my parents’ parenting book, Raising 5. We talk about the powerful idea that kids often become what they’re told, and how the words we use as parents can shape their confidence, identity, and future. We also get into marriage and what it really looks like when two people come together with completely different upbringings. Blend...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the importance of staying busy, having purpose, and how that can help keep anxiety from taking over. We reflect on our first jobs, what it taught us as teenagers, and why learning to work, earn, and even buy your own first car builds a level of confidence that carries into adulthood. We also talk about relationships, finding the right person, and wh...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the kind of environment we want to create at home. We want our kids to act the same in our house as they would out in the world. We talk about parenting out of conflict, why positive parenting matters, and how being your kids’ biggest cheerleader can shape their confidence for life. The conversation also turns to sibling relationships and why theres...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the world of kids activities. From dance competitions to sports and everything competitive in between. We share what it actually looks like behind the scenes, the costs that come with activities, and the ways we try to be intentional about saving money while still giving kids opportunities to pursue what they love. The conversation also turns to som...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about what it really looks like to travel with four kids. The endless trips up and down the stairs. Loading and unloading the car. The mental checklist that never turns off. The mom things no one sees. And yet, once we arrive at our family cabin, a place filled with over 25 years of memories, it’s always worth it. We reflect on the traditions that shaped...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing our personal experience with intermittent fasting and why it’s become a rhythm in our home. We talk about the structure that works for us, how habits modeled by parents often become habits our kids absorb, and why self-control and intentional routines matter to us as a family. We also touch on how fasting has played a role in our personal health journeys,...

We’re talking about what it actually looks like when we’re upset and how we handle conflict in our homes. Why we don’t tiptoe around hard conversations just to “keep the peace,” and why being clear and direct can actually create more stability, not less. We talk about feeling emotions fully without sulking in them, not holding grudges, and why carrying resentment isn’t healthy physically or mental...

In this episode of Van Talk, we dive into love languages, opposites attracting, and the idea that we often marry someone who reflects traits of our mom or dad. The conversation shifts to naming children, why we chose the names we did, why we love having the same starting letter, and the surprising amount of commentary that can come from baby name decisions. They also talk about something deeper: c...

This week on Van Talk, we're sharing why we don't use iPads at restaurants, how we prepare our kids before dinner, and why family meals matter more than ever. Stormie's motto says it best: take it back to the kitchen table. Because connection starts there.

Our newborn feeding schedule that we both swear by and what's worked best for our families. Conversation turns bigger and more personal, with our specific parenting choices and ultimately decide what feels right for our own family. This episode is about autonomy, strong motherhood instincts, and standing confidently in your decisions, even when they're not the popular opinion. These are ou...

We talk all things kids and activities. From dance recitals, to pageants, to hockey. We're diving into why sticking with activities matters. Kids can do hard things. It's our job to help them navigate challenges instead of rescuing from every tough season. Because confidence isn't built in comfort, it's built on the stage, the rink, the field. If you've ever questioned whether...

Welcome to the very first episode of Van Talk! My mom and I sit down to start spilling alllll the tea in our OG van. How our simple, everyday van turned into a place for memories, conversations, and now... a podcast.